New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton will interview Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham on Thursday and former Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan on Friday, according to a league source. A second source confirmed Grantham and Ryan will be in New Orleans on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

The source also said the hiring of Ryan isn't a done deal. ESPN, citing league sources, reported Wednesday night the Saints planned on hiring Ryan.

Grantham has been Georgia's defensive coordinator since 2010. Before becoming the Bulldogs' defensive coordinator, Grantham had extensive experience in the NFL as he was the Browns' defensive coordinator from 2005-2007. Grantham also served as defensive line coach in Dallas, Houston and Indianapolis.

Georgia's best defensive season occurred in 2011 under Grantham where the Bulldogs ranked fifth nationally in total defense, 11th in run defense and 10th in pass defense. The Bulldogs' defense finished 32nd in total defense and 18th in points allowed nationally in 2012.

The timing for Grantham is interesting as the Georgia defensive coordinator will interview with the Saints one day after college football's National Signing Day.

Ryan, brother of Jets Coach Rex Ryan, has been a defensive coordinator for three NFL teams since 2004, most recently with a two-year stint in Dallas (2011-2012). Before his time with the Cowboys, Ryan served as defensive coordinator in Cleveland (2009-2010) and Oakland (2004-2008).

The Cowboys endured a slew of injuries this season defensively losing linebacker Sean Lee for much of the season and linebacker DeMarcus Ware played through numerous injuries. But it wasn't enough to save Ryan's job in Dallas as the Cowboys finished 19th in total defense, 22nd in rushing defense, 19th in pass defense and 24th in points allowed.

Ryan appeared to have been hired for the Rams' defensive coordinator job.
Then the Rams announced last week that Ryan wouldn't fill the position. There's been conflicting reports as to whether the Rams shunned Ryan or Ryan shunned the Rams.

Ryan is the son of famed NFL coach Buddy Ryan, the architect of the famed Bears 46 defense. Buddy Ryan was a mentor to former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who was suspended indefinitely by the NFL after the league said he orchestrated a bounty program in New Orleans during his three-season stint with the Saints.

It's unclear whether the Saints plan to interview other candidates. The Saints reached out to former Browns and Chiefs Coach Romeo Crennel shortly after Payton fired Steve Spagnuolo.

The Saints are looking for a defensive coordinator who will run a 3-4 defense as the Saints announced the scheme change when Spagnuolo was fired. The 2012 Saints defense set an NFL record for most yards allowed in a season as the team struggled to a disappointing 7-9 record.